Olney Youth Sports Organizations Merge to Create Unified Athletic Community

The consolidation of Olney Boys and Girls Sports Association and Sandy Spring Athletic Association marks a significant advancement for youth sports in the greater Olney area, bringing together two longstanding organizations under a single banner to better serve young athletes. This merger ends years of separate operations and competition across baseball, softball, lacrosse, and basketball programs, creating a more cohesive athletic community with shared resources and enhanced developmental opportunities.

John Kadi, baseball commissioner of Sandy Spring, emphasized the importance of this unification after 13 years of operation, noting that athletes will now play together as part of one strong organization. The integration of all SSAA teams, including players and coaches, into the OBGC structure represents the first time these organizations have been unified, allowing for better coordination of field resources, training facilities, and developmental tools that benefit players across all age groups and skill levels.

Ben Corb, President of SSAA, highlighted that the development and growth of area athletes remains the top priority, with clear benefits emerging from the merger. Players and families from both organizations will gain access to superior sports facilities and amenities in Olney, building on SSAA's rich legacy dating back to the 1950s and its formal establishment in 2012, which has consistently fostered teamwork and sportsmanship.

Sean Davis, OBGC travel baseball commissioner, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming approximately 125 SSAA players to OBGC teams for the upcoming fall season, noting the abundance of talented coaches, families, and players in both organizations. This unification represents what many believe is the optimal way to organize youth sports in the community, ensuring that children receive the best possible development through enhanced resources and coordinated programming.

Brad Scott, Executive Director of OBGC, stated that the merger will benefit the youth of greater Olney by combining the talent of dedicated coaches, commissioners, and volunteers. The implementation begins immediately, with full operational integration expected by December 2025, allowing for a smooth transition of teams, coaching staff, and administrative functions while maintaining continuity for young athletes and their families throughout the process.